Detroit Lions have hired Brad Holmes as their next general manager and, depending on how today’s games unfold, the situation of their head coach – Dan Campbell is the favorite – could be decided in the coming days.
As Lions work to establish a new culture and team, the NFL keeps moving forward and Detroit’s scouting department needs to be working today, taking notes on the NFL playoffs.
Sunday’s Playoff Divisional games will feature the Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs (3:05 pm EST on CBS), followed by Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the New Orleans Saints (6:40 EST on FOX).
Here are four possible 2021 Free Agents – one from each team – that Lions should be watching during today’s games.
Browns: Rashard Higgins, WR (6-1, 198)
Higgins is coming out of his best year as a professional, often climbing to the Browns when he gets the chance. With Odell Beckham on the sideline, Higgins found himself in the starting lineup, but with Beckham, Jarvis Landry and newcomer Donovan Peoples-Jones on contract next year, Higgins may be looking for opportunities elsewhere in the off-season.
A profound threat that often finds ways to open up, Higgins (26) is an intriguing option for Lions. If they hired Kenny Golladay and planned to have a newcomer or Quintez Cephus – or both – for major contributions in 2021, Higgins would offer Lions a veteran option at an affordable price.
Previously profiled for the Browns: Larry Ogunjobi, DT
Heads: Bashaud Breeland, CB (5-11, 195)
As discussed in yesterday’s free agent preview, Lions may be looking for a third veteran turn that could start outside behind Amani Oruwariye and Jeff Okudah, as the list status of Demond Trufant and Justin Coleman is potentially at risk due to their high cost contracts.
Although Breeland is a less expensive option, there is a more inconsistent level of play and some off-field concerns that come with it – he was suspended four games this year after a substance abuse arrest.
Bucs: Ndamukong Suh, DT (6-4, 313)
Okay, listen to me.
At 34, Suh is not the dominator he was before, but he is still very impactful in a position that Lions need help to improve. The price has dropped since his last trip to Detroit, and with ties to the city – he still has businesses and properties in Michigan – he could have fun getting back to the team that recruited him.
Previously profiled for Bucs: Shaquil Barrett, EDGE
Santos: Sheldon Rankins, DT (6-2, 305)
The 12th overall choice in the 2016 draft, Rankins’ career was on the rise when an Achillies injury in 2019 stole his momentum. Although he is still showing some lingering effects from the injury, he showed that he still has enough potential to pay attention – especially in last week’s playoff game against Chicago.
Because of Achilles ‘injury, Rankins’ has some risks, but it will also likely drop its price. Even with the reduced rate, Santos will not be able to afford it this off-season, as it is very much against the cap.
Previous Saints profile: Marcus Williams, S